NEWS

United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
9173 W. Barnes Dr., Suite C
Boise, Idaho 83709
 
For More Information:
Jody Fagan, 208.685.6978

Money Available for Conservation Innovation Grants
Idaho Deadline: May 15

March 31, 2006, Boise, ID—The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Idaho is making $450,000 available in 2006 for Conservation Innovation Grants.

Conservation Innovation Grants are intended to stimulate the development and adoption of new conservation approaches and technologies while leveraging Federal investment in environmental enhancement. Applicants may be state or local government agencies, Tribes, organizations or individuals.

Idaho NRCS is targeting the state’s priority resource concerns for the grants: odor issues associated with confined animal operations, invasive species management and grazing lands management.

“The purpose of this program is to allow NRCS to partner with other groups or organizations and bring new and innovative methods and technologies for resource conservation to the agricultural community,” says Bob Bartholomew, assistant state conservationist for programs. “Successful applicants will be those who show real innovation and transfer the concepts to the most individuals.”

The Request for Proposals closes May 15. The applications take some time and those interested will want to visit www.id.nrcs.usda.gov/programs soon.

The grants awarded will be up to $75,000 each and require a 50 percent non-federal match. Half of the match may be for in-kind services while the remaining must be in cash. NRCS caps the amount of indirect costs that can be charged for the project.

The purpose of the grants is not research but to apply new innovative technologies on the ground. Grantees may use grant funds to encourage agricultural producers to try new technologies by providing incentive payments or cost share.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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